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There’s more than one route into studying in our creative community. From Evening & Saturday Courses, to Foundation and BA courses, to research degrees, you’ll find a path through AUB that suits you. Simply select the course level you’d like to study.

Found a course that you’d like to apply for? Simply select from the boxes below to find out how to apply for each of our courses and for advice on entry requirements.

We believe people learn best in a vibrant, caring environment. We want to help you thrive while you’re here.

On campus, you’ll find lots of great resources, facilities and, most importantly, a friendly environment. Lots of the courses overlap or collaborate, so you’ll meet plenty of new friends studying other subjects.

You can find out more about life at AUB by exploring the sections below.

Established in 1885 as a specialist institution, Arts University Bournemouth is a leading University offering high quality specialist education in art, design, media and performance across the creative industries.

We’re passionate about the creative subjects we teach and continue to encourage curiosity, risk-taking and adventure in exploring and pushing subject knowledge and its boundaries.

The University is situated two miles from the centre of Bournemouth, on the border between Bournemouth and Poole. Here are details on how to get in touch and how find us.

At AUB, our flourishing research and scholarship culture celebrates and enables original investigation; extending knowledge fields and developing new understanding within the arts.

By promoting the pursuit of innovation and creativity, we encourage opportunities for establishing and sharing best practice in research and foster the development of critical perspectives that have traditionally lain outside discrete disciplines. We encourage the use of reflective teaching and learning practices as part of an interactive relationship with research.

Staff research is supported from within AUB by grants for particular projects and by a Research Fellowship programme offering generous remission from teaching and administration. Researchers are also encouraged to apply for external funding for the full range of research from practice through history and theory.

A proactive Research Forum enables staff to present work in progress and to hear and participate in discussions of research by distinguished visitors. Training and advice is available to those intending to apply for external funding.

The University occupies a significant position in the cultural nexus of the south west. The University’s own Gallery is an important showcase for creative work and there are established links with other arts institutions in the area.

Optical Illusions

“This all came from looking at optical illusions and cameras, that’s where the mirrors come from. I got into doing optical illusion interactive art.

I really like how viewers interact with pieces. I wanted to get people to play with it. You have to discover it yourself. When they do, it’s quite playful.

I came from Foundation, doing Film and Photography. It just developed from there. I really wanted to do something physical and sculptural, but wasn’t sure how to take it from there. I realised I could just have the mechanisms of a camera, in sculpture.

My third year was fantastic. It’s been so much fun and we’ve worked as a team to do everything for each other. It’s great to do things like this and exhibit our work and run fundraising nights.

I would love to keep making art. I also have an interest in public art and installation art, so I’d love to be able to do commissions.”

Transposition

“I’ve previously done Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It was a process to help manage my thoughts. It was hard for me to comprehend, so I tried to echo that in the structure of the letters I did.

Although people would look at the structure, they wouldn’t be able to tell what it was. Some people can make out the shapes from the shadows. As soon as the light is on, you can see, but as the light goes off, thought gone. It’s very temporary. I looked through lots of materials until I got to wood. It was a huge learning curve, because I hadn’t done structural stuff before.

I started by making the mock-ups in cardboard, to make sure I got the right shapes. My whole journey was really about communication. I’ve recently found out that I may be dyslexic. I’m not very good at writing, but everything I’ve focused on has been words and text and the struggle to form words. It almost portrays the way I see words. I didn’t realise the journey until I put all of my work together.

I particularly liked third year. I think it pushed me and I suddenly found my element. I might look into doing an MA, because I feel like it’s not finished. I’ve found my stride and I don’t want to leave everything.”

Cyber World

“I’m a Fine Artist from Brazil. Initially when I came to AUB I was a painter, sculptor and performer. The course really pushed me to use all of my abilities and search for things within me. My own research helped a lot as well.

For my project, I’m a trans human living in a cyber world. The narrative is, I’m singing with my niece, we were using Skype and Facetime etc. Now I’m living through the internet and hyper space. It’s playing with the ethics of technology implications. It’s a romantic view of how things could be in the future.

I’m going on to do an MA in Curation. I hope that, by using so many different areas of art in this piece, I’ve learnt a lot about putting shows together.”

Play

“My work is born from the need to play. I believe that play is fundamental for the human state. This piece is based on out of gravity play. I made a swing and then used the illusion of balloons to make you feel uplifted.

As you grow up, you seem to lose the need or the ability to play. A child would just embrace it and allow it to happen. I believe that our ability to play and interact all the way through life is what makes us different from animals.

The course is really good. You’re allowed to do whatever you want, and they’re helpful in making you do that. You do have to be quite driven and know what you want to go out and achieve it.

I knew I wanted to be an installation artist, but coming up with play as a subject was influenced by my first year. One of my tutors, Tom, introduced me to games and interaction the the gallery. It was a snowball effect of little things.

We’ve created an art collective called Black Fire, putting installations into festivals. We did Somerley Tea Party recently, so I’m going to carry on doing that.”

The Divided Self

“When I started off, I was a sculptor and that was my be all and end all. As soon as I came to University, I started to get really interested in painting, and it started to take over from my sculptures.

Throughout my work, there has been a general idea of control, which is what I’ve been interested in. This really started to move forward when I was looking at action painting. I was introducing a lot of martial arts and meditation into my work. I’d taken this idea, and moved it on. My work generally surround trauma, and I like to bring in other things to make it more educated. For example, references to Romanticism. The name of the piece is The The Divided Self, a reference to a book by R.D Laing, where he talks about a child who was brought up in a scientific experiment.

I became very interested in colour. I was doing big colourful landscapes, and then started to bring in dark shapes to give it more depth. I then came a lot more interested in these darker tones and, as I tried to push it further, the piece became more about mark making. I started to move away from traditional paint brushes, and use pieces of wood, pallet knives etc.

I’ve definitely enjoyed my time at AUB. When I first started, I wasn’t so interested in getting a really good grade, but more developing as an artist and having an understanding of the art world. I think that’s been achieved and I’ve grown quite a lot.

I would love to carry on my practice and essentially be an artist. I want to exhibit my work in galleries and try and live off it. I understand that it’s going to be difficult, and will mean getting a job on the side. But I have strong passions, so hopefully I can get through all that and make it!”

"Being awarded the Textile Society award enabled me to continue working with a range of innovative fabrics" Jemma Pratt

BA (Hons) Textiles

Ichthyho Visions

“For my Final Major project my research and imagery was influenced by the reflective, transparent and distorted surfaces within X-ray vision and skeletal fish. I combined the use of a microscope and camera to photograph disarticulated fish bone remains collected from the Bournemouth University archive.

I applied my mixed media skills: CAD embroidery, Hand embellishments, Laser cutting and Digital Print as an addition to help me explore different surface qualities to work with. Amongst my research high-end design company Jakob Sclaepfer inspired my way of working. Their fashion fabrics influenced my choice of techniques, where I combined the Sonic welder and Laser cutter, to re-create fringing techniques and embellishments to form my own materials. As an addition I used the heat press for vibrant colour and flat textures to work back into.

Being awarded the Textile Society award enabled me to continue working with a range of innovative fabrics. I used a combination of rigid and fluid materials, including shiny, matt, and metallic surfaces. In my drawing and developmental processes I experimented with different qualities of papers to inspire my fabric choices.

I have learnt so much at AUB and I have really enjoyed having the freedom to explore mixed media processes. We received regular tutorials and critiques with Anne-Marie, lecturers and designers from the industry and there advice has helped me develop my personal work and skills. I am currently working as a Visual merchandiser but I would prefer a job in design. I aim to gain as much experience in the industry in the next year, before completing a Masters. I also have an interest in working with Hodge Sellers and Jane Bowler. I am going to miss being in a creative studio with everyone else, but I am excited to see what is next.”

"It is a collection of sensory surfaces that explores whether design could be taken beyond function and aesthetics" Charlotte Alexander

BA (Hons) Textiles

The Sublime

“We have become discontent with the ‘human habitat’ longing for an environment more inclusive of our emotional needs and well-being.

‘The Sublime’ is a project inspired by vast expanses and epic landscapes. It is a collection of sensory surfaces that explores whether design could be taken beyond function and aesthetics towards more meaningful interactions.

Laser etching has been used on concrete to mimic the effects of weathering to reveal tactile patterns based on topography and natural textures. Subtle reliefs have been created through casting and the embedding of material; and the thermoforming properties of perspex have been exploited to create three-dimensional forms that emerge from a surface evoking a desire to interact.

Some of these surfaces are not necessarily inviting or practical; based on our more challenging natural environments (Arctic/Antarctic) some pieces are intended to crumble and change with use, to appear fragile or make us wary of our interactions with them. They are surfaces intended to make us more aware of our surroundings and ourselves within a space allowing for more fulfilling user, product relationships.

It was very clear from first year that my interests lay in 3-D manipulations and material innovation rather than in traditional textiles, and I’m so glad that this course gave me the freedom to explore these interests. The landscape of textiles is changing, and I feel this course is at the forefront of it – supporting and propelling innovative design for fashion, interiors, and craft. It has been a fantastic 3 years, and I would not of been able to get through it without the support and advice from the fantastic team of tutors and technicians.

Since graduating, I am in the process for setting up my own business while doing free-lance work on the side, and will be exhibiting at The National Centre for Craft and Design come September. “

"The work produced is a mixture of 3D and surface manipulation" Eleanor Nixon-Hill

BA (Hons) Textiles

In at the Deep End

“In at The Deep End’ explores wellbeing, movement and how people take a step away from technology. This has been explored through the movement of swimming supported by imagery taken from an abandoned swimming pool, paused in time.

The work produced is a mixture of 3D and surface manipulation. This project has been created using digital print enhanced by stitch, laser cutting and handprint finishing techniques. A mixture of lightweight fabrics, contrasted with thicker stiffer materials layered together has been used to create depth and represent the fluidity of water and structure of the buildings housing it. colour is a key aspect of this collection, used to portray the feeling so that the viewer is immersed in the same world.”

Heavy Metal

“Taking an unconventional source of inspiration from crumpled and damaged scrap cars, my final project ‘Heavy Metal’ was inspired by the surfaces, shapes and textures found on the beat-up metals.

Through the use of heat press sublimation printing combined with hand and digital embroidery, I have explored the tension between the perfect and imperfect by creating prints and embroideries for the ready-to-wear fashion market.

The past three years have been such an amazing experience. I have been encouraged to be highly experimental with my chosen materials and surface explorations, allowing me to develop my own style and aesthetic.

The AUB show and New Designers were a valuable opportunity to gain experience in communicating and presenting myself in a professional environment. I am sad to be leaving AUB, as I have loved working within a studio environment alongside my peers. It has been great to see how we have all developed and improved over the three years and I look forward to see what the future holds for us all! Since graduating I have started working for the Hand & Lock concession at Topshop Oxford Circus, personalising Topshop garments with monogramming and embroidered patches.”

"I was looking into mobile workers and how they create stress from changing work environments" Nina Takahara

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Portable Work Space

“I was looking into mobile workers and how they create stress from changing work environments, I wanted to look into how I could address that issue. I did some research into personalisation, I found that it gives a sense of attachment, a sense of familiarity. So I incorporated that personalisation through the storage units which are removable, so you can rearrange them according to how you want them to look like. The user can also choose how they want to carry the bag, because the straps are removable.

I want to look into how interiors and interior design can help promote positive feelings, which is something that I researched briefly for this project, to help highlight how to reduce the stress of changing work environments. I really enjoyed my three years at AUB.”

"I was taking references from Pop Punk, like David Bowie, Adam Ant, where it was very androgynous" Emily Banks

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Neutral

“I based my project on the idea of an androgynous clothing range, so it was using a brand called Grey Scale Goods. They are online and they don’t let customers see the clothes before they buy it, to stop preconceptions of what is masculine and what is feminine. They ask you to put yourself on a scale of 0, being masculine and 10, being feminine, dependent on where you see yourself. From that they use stylists to plan your wardrobe and how you accessorise, to make it appear masculine or feminine. It was really interesting to do, I was also looking into unnecessarily gendered objects and sexuality in the media. At the time I was researching there was a lot in the media about ‘Bruce Jenner’, Transgender, Gender Neutral and Gender Fluid, like ‘Miley Cyrus’.

I was taking references from Pop Punk, like David Bowie, Adam Ant, where it was very androgynous, it was like a radical change at the time. I used lots of colour, as it was like pop art in a way, very bright and flamboyant.

I was doing drawings of David Bowies outfits, looking at his iconic outfits, doing sketches for a few weeks, and he sadly died while I was doing my research. It was strange, all my research turned into present time looking at how he was and how he is, then I had to start writing about it all in past-tense.

I want to go into interior design, and look at more retail design. I’ve quite enjoyed that, and how innovative you can be. Trying to incorporate online to in-store and how we can keep more people on the high-street.”

St Giles House

“I redesigned the interior of a listed building in Dorset, it’s called St Giles House. Which is a grade II listed building, so I turned it into a spa resort. Currently it’s a wedding venue, I redesigned it as a spa and hotel, so something more for leisure. The surrounding area is amazing; it’s based in Wimborne. There’s horse riding all around it, so the view is incredible. I wanted to use the site for something relaxing, a place for people to go to de-stress.

I really enjoyed my time at AUB. It was interesting and a bit hard, but it was really nice. I’m applying a Masters, but have also applied for some jobs as I want to keep my options open for now. I can decide when I get the offers.”

Biophilic Design

“My Final Major Project is about using a grade II listed building, so converting it and bringing back its functions. Following the client’s brief, she wanted accommodation, where people can use it to stay during the events that occur there. It’s called Shaftesbury Estate and they do a lot of events in that area because they have a 5,000-acre park.

Looking at the 5,000-acre park, it’s quite peaceful there and you can go on estate walks and appreciate the natural environment. I thought to take that into the interior, so that the interiors are connected with the outdoors. There’s consistency and feeling, I have included Biophilic Design. Biophilic Design, is a type of design that reconnects humans to nature because it is part of our innate requirements. It’s good for our health, and well-being, that’s why a lot of offices nowadays have plants, it makes you feel more positive.

There’s a restaurant, where I’ve not just included planting as part of the Biophilic Design, it makes use of natural materials and natural patterns. The patterns that you can see on this construction are inspired by an avenue of trees, like if you were to walk into the woods. It’s quite a large project. It’s a courtyard and the main area is made up of 5 buildings, we had to do this in about 12 weeks.

I’m really interested in doing ecological design, and designing eco-friendly interiors. I was really inspired by a project that I’ve been involved in, at where I worked last year. They were including lots of eco-friendly designs in their work.”

Zero Carbon Design

“For my Final Major Project my client was the Earl of Shaftesbury. His house is about half an hour away from Bournemouth, he has old riding blocks that he wanted turning into wedding accommodation, as they do weddings on site. I used zero carbon design as my main inspiration, because it was a listed building there were a lot of restrictions, so it was quite a challenge. Combining old and new elements together, it was good fun.

I only met with him once, but I met his wife a couple of times. We got to go to the house, and there were 8 of us using the site as a live project. It was good though, to have an actual client with a proper brief.

I really enjoyed my time at AUB. I’d now love to get a job in this industry, whether that’s here (Bournemouth) or back home, in Guernsey. “

" I’ve always looked at natural progression and the idea on the conflict between this and technology" Toby Wilson

BA (Hons) Photography

Technology

“My work looks at technology and the role of technology in current society. The idea is that it’s a form of a geological process. It takes shape in a generating programme, but the actual texture wrap is from an image. The idea is that it goes beyond a photograph and goes inside a realm inside technological culture itself.

I’ve always looked at natural progression and the idea on the conflict between this and technology. That was the starting point and from there I ran with it, until I found 3D visualisation.

The course is really well managed. The tutors and tutorials push us in the right direction and let us be as creative as we want to be. It’s been a progression over three years, and I’ve found something that will hopefully take me on in the future. It’s all leading to creative re-touching. “

Doesn't go into Heart

“My practice revolves around publishing. I’m particularly interested in the new directions in photography self-publishing, and how that market it really going up right now.

The concepts all revolve around linguistics and language. A lot of this bases itself on communication failure, particularly within contemporary art and photography. Hence the title of my book being a mistranslation of the Thai phrase for ‘I don’t understand’ or as the title ‘Doesn’t go into heart’.

The first year was quite difficult for me. It was the year I educated myself the most, and got motivated. In second year I started doing more projects and collaborating with more people and, by third year, I was able to sit down and have my own space to work and explore my ideas. I found it a lot of fun. The tutors, certainly Dave and Ronnie, were great. Everyone is incredibly clever and kind.

The facilities are great, and the technicians are even greater. They’re the people who allow us to use all this amazing technology.

I’m starting a publishing project. I’ll be based in Bournemouth for this, working with local artists and producing books.”

Artwork on Mars

“A lot of my work is between conceptualism and photography, I use installation and mixed media.

This piece is born out of a project that investigated space. I was really interested in the issues of ownership in space, especially as technology grows and we’re able to reach different planets. I wanted to make a piece of work that really interrogated these behaviours, as well as comparing the behaviour of the colonisation atrocities with what’s happening now.

For this particular piece, I purchased an acre of land from a fake extra-terrestrial Estate Agent on the internet. I wanted to make a piece of work about this, but wasn’t sure how to do that. The work is a proposal for a piece of artwork on mars. There’s a parchment print which has the proposal for this, and accurately describes how to make this in extreme detail. The idea is that I wanted to buy this land, and then one up them in a sense. They’re selling land on different planets, and making millions from it! Throughout the project I was investigating that company I had bought it from. This was a statement on what they were doing.

The material that I used is the material that’s closest to the surface of Mars. It’s volcanic ash from Hawaii.

When I bought the land, they sent me exact coordinates. The video is me on my computer, using google earth, trying to find this piece of land. It’s kind of an experimentation to see whether I actually own this land.

Coming into the course, I was really interested in photography, but I wasn’t necessarily a photographer. I’ve been way more interested in images, rather than actually taking images. I have struggled to deal with that, because it’s a necessary component to make work. It’s been really interesting, and my tutors have really helped me find my artistic voice.

I rarely take photos, I normally deal with installations, sculpture and video work. I find it more fluid. Throughout my time I’ve also been interested in curating. It’s been really interesting.

It has been a struggle, but I’ve really found a voice that works for me now. What’s great about the course is that photography is only an umbrella term and, these days, it can be anything. The tutors have been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Come One Come All

“My piece is called Come One Come All, which I’ve also had translated into Arabic as If One of You Comes, All of You Can Come. My whole project has been bilingual. I don’t speak Arabic myself, but the work is concerning the Syrian refugee crisis.

It was inspired by the fact that David Cameron referred to the refugees as ‘a swarm’. It gave me the idea to do a visual representation of this, as a rhetoric against the media. I tried to create a feast for seagulls, and put it on the beach on a banquet table. As it happened, the seagulls weren’t interested whatsoever, even though they’ll steal food right out of your hands! So this developed my idea. If the seagulls aren’t taking the food, maybe it’s a metaphor for how refugees, who are often criticised and ostracised in the media, aren’t the evil that they’re being portrayed as.

I ended up making a book, which is an interview with a young man named Ibrahim. When he was 18, he was the first person to bring the Syrian refugee crisis and civil war up in UK parliament. He did this because two of his cousins were killed in the conflict.

I’ve got this document which sits with my work, which is an in depth interview with him, explaining all the ins and outs. It discusses how art and social media can influence this kind of thing.

One thing I would say about the course is that it’s incredibly open. It’s a photographic course, but I’ve done two photographic projects and everything else has been appropriation or moving image. They facilitate that and it’s really open.

I’d potentially like to move to The Netherlands to do an MA. In the meantime, I’m working in Bournemouth as a freelance photographer.”

The Frame

“I was really interested in the object. I’ve explored it to an extent before in my other project, and I wasn’t really sure what else to explore with it.

I was thinking about the photographic object and went back to its roots and history. I decided to look into the making of the photograph, so the frame. I decided to deconstruct the frame, and look at how its relationship with the photograph has come to be.

I have a plinth, which is made out of old frame hardboard. I went to lots of different galleries and managed to photograph the backs of frames. I work at a framers and they kindly let me make the frames. I took the plinth into the studio, photographed the old frames I’d used in the galleries, and made up the frames again. Any that I had left, I shredded and made a frame out of it.

You don’t always notice the frame in photography, but I wanted it to be the main attraction.

Before I started this course, I was really interested in portraiture. It’s been a massive journey and I’ve completely re-thought my practice, with the help of my tutors.

As soon as I finished uni, I got a job at a framers and printers. They do massive prints for exhibitions, clothing companies etc. It’s really interesting, because I’ve been framing people’s work. I want to continue my practice as well and being in a creative industry helps.”

The Witches

“The work I’m showing is two projects. The first is a documentary project titled The Witches, about British witchcraft. I’ve had an interest in witchcraft, and wanted to know what it was really about. You get a lot of stuff from horror films, as well as pop culture, and it makes you think that it’s all to do with worshipping the devil.

I did some research, and it’s weird because everything is on Facebook now. If you’re looking for contacts for documentary projects, you can find groups on Facebook! I was really lucky to find a group called the Southampton Witches. A woman set up a group for solitary witches, women who weren’t in covens.

Through her I was able to meet with a lot of witches and understand what it’s about. It’s a pagan religion, and nothing to do with the devil. It’s about worshipping the earth, the sun, the moon etc. It’s such a peaceful religion. I wanted to show that these are real people, people you work with every day, and you don’t even realise it.

I’ve done a portrait series and then, accompanying that, I’ve got pictures of them from their rituals. It mixes stereotypes such as cauldrons and broomsticks, but showing that it’s actually a real thing.

I find it really important to interview everyone, and I have text to go with everything. I think it’s really important to read about the people and really understand their lives.

I’m a documentary photographer, but I’d love to get into film more. Sometimes I’ll be photographing something and wish that I could be filming it. I’m really keen to expand on my projects and maybe collaborate with Film students to turn it into a documentary.

I have a place on MA Commercial Photography here, which I’ve decided to do part-time. A lot of time is spent trying to gain the trust of you subjects, you can’t just turn up and start photographing people. You need people to be comfortable around you, that’s when you get the best photos. I think that doing the MA over two years gives me more time to do this. I want to show the real people behind everything.”

Sports Photography

“I’m a Sports Advertising Photographer, I specialise in both stills and video. For my final major project, I focused purely on sports photography and dance photography. One of my series is called Runner High, about the chemical production in the brain during a workout. It demonstrates all the different chemicals your brain produces when you’re working out. I wanted to illustrate this through UV lighting.

I also did a music video for an artist in Norway, which is a dance ballet video. That was the director’s vision. The song is describing society and growing up and being pure and innocent, then society trying to change you into the industry standard. The video shows how you can break through that, through contemporary ballet choreography.

My style since starting the course has changed massively. I didn’t know what I wanted to do initially, I just knew I had a passion for commercials and advertising. Through guidance from my tutors, I feel like my style has shaped itself. Going into sport is something that happened through personal experience. Sport is something that’s close to my heart.

What I really enjoyed about the course, is how much focus there was on conceptual work and conceptual development. Coming onto the course I was very technically focused but, through tutorials and group work, I established more of a style and more depth to my work. Originally, I was only interested in producing aesthetically pleasing work but, through this course, I’ve learnt that photography should be more than that and have some substance. You should see your work develop through the course, and I really feel like mine has.

They really encourage us to work together and talk about our work. If you don’t discuss your ideas, then they’ll never develop. The best part about the course is how they’ll push you further if they see potential there.”

Unusual Fragrances

“I’ve got two photographic pieces. They’re both from different projects, but quite similar aesthetically. One is a piece on unusual fragrances, based on the most bizarre fragrances that you can buy, one of which is honey. I wanted to create a visually interesting piece, and have honey drips onto a perfume bottle, and have bees around it.

The other piece is on bizarre beauty rituals. I wanted to show off 24 karat gold facial, a weird beauty routine women go through to look younger. To do that, I got hands dripping in gold paint, which I thought looked really unusual.

I specialise in still life photography. Conceptually, for it to be really interesting, the idea has to be there. It’s trying to think of unusual concepts to push creative boundaries.

I’ve definitely grown over time. I came into the course thinking that I wanted to be a Fashion Photographer, but I love the independence of working with still life. I found that working in a studio I could really develop my knowledge of lighting, which is a huge part of still life photography.

The tutors have been amazing and taught me so much. We had access to the most amazing pieces of equipment as well. The whole course was really friendly and a really close community.

The plan now is to contact Photographers and do some assisting in London to further my knowledge.”

Logging on to Love

“My work is very conceptual. I came from more of a Fine Art background with my photography. I did my Foundation at AUB and then, from there, I was advised and felt that it was a good idea to go into Commercial Photography. I wanted to gain more commercial awareness within my work, and make a career out of photography.

I’m very inspired by articles I read and social and political issues, so I thought that might lead me down the documentary route. Because I like doing constructive photography, such as thinking of a theme or concept and then creating it in my own way, I felt it would be best to produce my own imagery.

Technology and the development of technology is a key theme within my work. I like to think about the future of that, and what it means for human interaction and intimacy. It also overlaps to how I shoot my work. I like to think about the cameras I’m using, how I construct my work, and the execution of it.

This particular project, Logging on to Love, I shot with an iPhone, a webcam, and a DSLR camera. I was looking at online relationships and cyber-sex, so I thought it would be an interesting way to use that method.

The units themselves are really good. In first and second year you get more of a brief to work from. It is nice to have free range but, whilst you’re finding your style, it’s good to have more of a focus. When you get into third year, I like how they put you into specific genre groups. You get to work with likeminded people, and discuss specific photographers, artists etc.

At the moment I think I’m taking on the part-time MA Commercial Photography at AUB. I’m based in London, so part-time works for me as I can still gain industry experience.

In August I’m taking on a mentorship programme, assisting a Photographic Artist, which will be a great opportunity.”

Face to Face

“My work on display at the exhibition is a project called face to face. It puts people face to face with the foods that they’re eating, but in a different form. They’re not presented with a chicken nugget, or a sausage, but with the actual animal that it is. I’ve been exploring how we now treat meat as such a commodity.

I’ve been reading a lot of books, there’s one called Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer that has completely influenced my thoughts on meat eating. Before I did the project I was a vegetarian, then I read that book and it further installed in me how strange it is to consume meat.

I chose to take part of animals that are normally discarded, the parts we chop up and throw away, and presented them on plinths as works as art. There’s still a process that’s happening and we’re sort of oblivious to it.

I want my work to influence, and start thinking about it. It’s such a confused subject. We eat a lot of meat, but it’s nice to get people’s thoughts going. They way I’ve presented it allows people to think for themselves and wonder what’s going on, rather than slamming it in their faces, which I think can happen a lot.

The way I’ve lighted it is very flattering. It’s the same way I’d treat a person if I were taking a portrait. I wanted it to come through as being important, not just a piece of rubbish that we’re throwing away.

When it comes towards the end of the course, you’re still given a structure and it’s great, which keeps you motivated. The most important thing to remember is that it’s your project. Take whatever theme you want and run with it.

Towards the end of the year, every few weeks we’d have a meeting where we’d all bring together our work. We could all critique it and discuss what had been going on and, at that point, you knew if everyone understood what your project was about.”

Phillip II of Spain

“My final piece is Phillip II of Spain. I’d never done a male costume before, or worked from a period that far back. I thought I’d challenge myself by working from a portrait. I had to do all the research, pattern making and fabric sourcing, as well as learning how to construct it. I made a coat, doublet, trunk hose, codpiece and a shirt.

I’ve tried to keep it historically accurate. I’ve been to the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A. I went to the V&A archives to see some cloaks and have a look around. I worked with a girl who did the costume for his wife.

I started doing a Foundation. I came from France and went straight into the course. Getting into the production and specialist practice in second year was good. My favourite year was my final year. I managed to do so many costumes and learn so many things in such a short space of time.

Last year I had the chance to work in France for three weeks, and I’ve had an offer to go back. I’m going to have a bit of a break after that, then for the whole of October I’m going to Germany to work with the White Horse Theatre. I’d really love to travel as I work.

At the beginning of the year I did a work placement with the RSC, and I’d love the chance to work there.”

Set Design

“I designed and put up this exhibition. I also designed a set for one of the shows, Bleak House. I also did costume design for The Good Person of Szechwan and then helping out on the other shows. I’m part of the theatre design group, so we collaborate a lot with the Acting course.

I chose the course because it’s few that do both making and designing, and don’t make you decide until the end of first year. You then start your second year specialising, and by third year your working on live projects. I love the backstage theatre buzz!

The collaboration is great! We get to collaborate with a lot of courses, particularly Make-up for Media and Performance. Each year gets better and better. When we give feedback, the course always tries to improve.

The director for Bleak House, David Glass, has invited me back on another project. I’m going to continue with set design.”

The Night Circus

“My final major piece was a couture gown, inspired by the book The Night Circus. It was originally based on the main character but, the more it evolved, it changed to be more the feel of the circus. I kept the colour scheme and my inspirations from the book, rather than it be for a specific character. It started off being set in the same as the book, 1865 – 1885. I kept the undergarments fairly to the time period but, as it evolved, we made it more couture, with the help of my tutor Wayne Martin.

We made it a very progressive project, and he really liked bringing in 1950s couture feel. We looked at Charles James a lot, such as the swan gown. There’s also a lovely Dior video from the 2011 Spring/Summer couture collection, of black layering of net on a red fabric. There were a lot of different influences.

I transferred over from South Africa, where I did a three-year Fashion degree. I came into the second year of the Costume course, where you’d generally split off into makers and designers. I came over for the Summer Course, to see what the university was like, and that’s where I met Wayne. He influenced me to do a bit more making, which I really love. The staff are all so wonderful, it’s a great group of lecturers.

I’m staying in England, which is great! I’m hoping to find work, maybe London based, but just seeing what options are available to me at the moment.”

Cleopatra

“I’ve specialised in costume for screen, so I have a couple of final pieces. My main one is a Cleopatra costume, for a short film called Cleopatra Returns, which begins filming in a few months. I’ve also got one from a Welsh language druid film, which is historical fiction about druids. For this, I mainly supervised, bought the fabrics and organised everything.

In costume you have a few roles, designers, supervisors and makers. I mainly design and supervise. I’ve had the fortunate experience of working with around four makers for my costume. A milliner, Holly Dyer, created the headdress. Two second year students helped create the cape and then the fishtail skirt was created by someone else. That’s what Costume and Performance Design is about, it’s all about working together.

The creative freedom and being to collaborate with so many people has been great. I’ve worked with actors and actresses, and I’ve also worked with a lot of the film students. It was lovely working with them.

I’m doing work experience with one of the previous graduation. She’s working on a short for Channel 4. Because I’m doing film, you end up doing a lot of short films, then getting a traineeship and working your way up. I’ve done work experience on The Crown with Michele Clapton who designed Game of Thrones for so many years, which was amazing. “

Art Direction

“I worked on To Reach a Soul doing art direction, so deciding on the look of the film and how the two worlds would look different. It was about finding two different styles that would work with the narrative of the film. It was a hybrid film, so half was done in 3D and half was done in 2D.

I originally came to the course for animation but, in second year when we had to specialise, I started doing more visual work. In third year I expanded completely to environment design and art direction.

I really liked that you learnt the fundamentals at the beginning, before you specialise. In second your you can explore and really develop skills for third year.

I hope to get a job as a visual development artist and eventually build up my career to art direction.”

2D Animation

“The film I worked on was Esc, about a male gamer who gets teleported into the game. He has to fight for an escape ticket to get back into the real world. The film was a great challenge. It pushed me to learn and develop skills that I didn’t know beforehand. For example, I took on the role of special effects animator, which I hadn’t focused on in the previous two years. I ended up taking on more work, but also a variation of work. We were quite a small, close team, which forced us to think on our feet and make decisions on the spot. We didn’t have time to procrastinate, so we had to finalise our ideas.

Working on this project allowed me to really focus on what I wanted to do, which is traditional 2D animation. I really managed to hone my skills in character animation. This film had a lot of special effects, so I was really able to build my portfolio up.

The thing that drew me to the course in the first place, was the fact that it focused on traditional animation. In first year it was brilliant. They taught us the basics and fundamentals really well, and it opened up a lot of ideas.

I’m planning on earning some money in order to update my computer, get new software etc and planning on applying to a freelance job in Japan. I’d also very much like to bring 2D animation, such as the early Disney animation, to the cinema. I’d like to bring in modern themes, such as the Middle East, the EU etc, into 2D animation.”

Game World

“I worked on an animation called Esc. It took us eight and a half months, we had a pretty small team. The idea is that this guy walks into an underground gaming café, he turns on a computer to play a virtual reality game. The camera pans to the right and you can see that the computer is unplugged, but it turns on anyway. He gets sucked into this game world and battles with a female opponent to escape. It’s a very visual focused film.

Being at uni gave me time to develop my skills and gave me room to fail. Especially in first year, there was significant support from the tutors.

To Reach a Soul

“Our final film is called To Reach a Soul. It’s a hybrid of 2D and 3D. We started pre-production in November, then discussed the idea of the story. It’s about a kid who is in a coma. It’s all about hope. His relatives are losing hope, but his brother is always there supporting him. In the coma world, we see his adventure.

In the first year, you build on the principles on animation, just to get the hang of animating. Then in second year you get to collaborate and learn what it’s like to work as part of a team, then you specialise. In third year, it’s mostly building on what we like to do and what messages we want to send to the world through our films. ]

I’m looking to keep improving my skills, as it’s a really competitive industry. I’m going to look into gaming animation, and different workshops for that.”

Bleach

“I really wanted to make a film that pushed for transgender actors. I saw a lot of short films with transgender actors, which are about the struggle of being transgender. Obviously that’s a relevant topic, but I feel like it boxes transgender actors into that being the only story they can be involved in.

I tried to make a film that touched on it, as it’s an important factor, but wasn’t the main storyline of the film. I researched a lot into transgender films and the things that were missing, then wrote a script based on my research. I tried to make something that was real, taken from people’s experiences.

I was lucky enough to meet Elijah, the actor. Without him the film wouldn’t have worked.

I came out of my time here with a film that I’m really proud of. I’m hoping to do the festival circuit with this film.”

Man in the Mist

“My final work is called Man in the Mist, a WW1 film about a nurse and a soldier. I wounded soldier is bought in from the front and he’s having to cope with the trauma of being on the battlefield. The nurse comes in and this is her first perspective of the war. It’s the contrast of his very visual image of the war, and her just coming to understand the pains of it.

It’s a massive uphill struggle. We pretty much went into first year believing that we’d come out with these great graduation films, and now that I’m here, it feels like I’ve been on a massive journey, especially this last year. It’s been exciting but much harder than I expected. Going into third year was much more of a challenge.

The one thing I’ve definitely come to learn more about is the routine on set. Dealing with a whole crew, managing that, and having some sort of answer to any questions! It’s been an amazing experience; I absolutely love the people I’ve met here. The tutors are really helpful.

I hopefully want to do a bit more directing. I love screenwriting as well, so hopefully find an internship with a film company.”

Storyboard

“I worked across five films doing lighting and storyboarding. I did the storyboards for two films, which was a lot of fun. Sitting down and being part of that very early creative process was great, especially seeing it all on screen as it is in the storyboards. I did a lot of lighting throughout a lot of the films, I did an outside night-time shoot. The hardest part was the fact that it was in Bridport, but I had to pretend that it was America! There were buses going past with Jurassic Coast on it, so we had to make the whole thing darker by making certain areas lighter.

It feels pretty natural. Being at this point, I felt confident an able to do the job I was meant to be doing.

I started on Foundation here, and then started off doing documentary on the BA. Then I was going lighting and fiction on the side for fun, and ended up specialising in storyboard.

It’s a very large course, and there’s a lot of people you get to work with. Due to the nature of film, you get to work with everybody. It gives you a lot of people skills too.”

Listen Up Emily

“I made Listen up Emily, which is a musical. I wrote it and directed it, and had a massive crew from all over AUB. It was a great collaborative piece. I worked with Costume, Make-up and even Illustration students. To get everyone together, I just sent a lot of emails and kept in contact. It’s important to be as available to them as well, because they’re doing you a favour.

The film is about a girl’s wedding day. She decided she wants to leave and run away, but then changes her mind and wants to go back. The moment she decides to go back, she ends up in a musical world, in 50s Paris.

I watched Singing in the Rain and, the moment where he starts singing the song, just really sums up the feeling expressed through song and dance. I found that interesting and wanted to use song and dance and music to express something without specifically saying it.

I really enjoyed my time at AUB. I was able to do what I wanted to do, and you get to work with everyone.”

Einstein on the Beach

“My project is called Einstein on the Beach, which is a response to an ISTD brief. I took a piece of music and created a visual system for it. It becomes more and more complicated as the piece goes by. The animation follows a load of systems that keep the music flowing and keep it really alive. It shows an understanding of systems, and also the emotional side.

When I started at AUB, I wasn’t really into much of my digital work. I was a little lost as to where I was going. But the course has allowed me to pursue the digital side, which is where I felt I was strongest.”

Citizen+

“My piece is called Citizen+, which is an application and digital service design to get younger people more engaged with politics. The idea was to do away with rhetoric and confusing language. As young people, we consume information immediately, rather than over time and, for that reason, politics doesn’t always resonate very well with young people.

The project came out of the fact that I was explaining to my friends that I was going to try and explain socialism and capitalism and I realised that, even at a basic level, a lot of my friends had little to no understanding.

I took the language down to a very basic level. The app is split into two colour screens for every question page. The size of the colour represents the capacity that is either for or against. In Eastern Europe they have a lot of digital voting, meaning the status update is immediate, and a lot of younger people are far more interested.

I’ve really really enjoyed it. Initially I applied for Illustration, but they decided I was more suited to Graphics based work. Vis Com came over to me, and thought that I was perfect for the course. A lot of my illustration work was branding based, or logo based.

In my third and final year, I developed a definite route, and I began to study app design. This is the second app I’ve designed, and I definitely think this is the route I’m going down. The course is mainly based I typography, interaction, as well as social media and digital and print.

It’s been really interesting because the course is a huge mix. There are people who come from an illustration background, like me, those who already had an in-depth Graphic Design background, and even those who are skilled coders.

I’d love to get this in front of someone. I’ve been looking at the BBC, and I’d like to be involved in culture, such as clothing brands or media companies. This project was a piece of social design, and I’m really interested in making change happen.”

Royal Museums Greenwich

“I chose to re-brand the Royal Museums Greenwich, there are four of them. I wanted to create a unified logo that would illustrate all four of the museums in one. They’re all about maritime and sea and history, so I wanted to capture that through iconic designs.

I really enjoyed my time at AUB, I felt it bought my confidence out, specially being able to do presentations and talk about my work more. It also helped me know I what I want to do after. I know that I want to get into branding. The course makes you experiment with all different areas, so you get to try them all and work out what you like.

I live in London, so I’m looking at internships there. Although I am at the age where I can live and travel anywhere. It would be a dream to work at JKR, they’ve done a lot of inspirational talks at uni.”

Design Bridge Brief

“My final piece was for the D&AD Design Bridge brief. It’s a bit cheeky, looking at the gender aspect of beauty products. I did a cleanser, moisturiser and exfoliating balm, that was in an aluminium canister, which made it a bit more convenient for travelling. It’s a bit of a play on words, with the cleanser saying ‘I love it when you’re dirty’, the moisturiser ‘rub me up the right way’ and exfoliator ‘I’ll hit the spot’. It’s a bit cheeky, but hopefully will appeal to 18 – 24 year olds. I had this idea and wanted to run with it. It’s difficult with ideas, because you want to get the right one and perfecting it does take some time. But you do get there, and you find your way.

AUB is a really fun and creative place to work. They let you do what you need to do, you make your decisions.

I would like to go into branding and packaging design. My end goal is to be a creative director, and I’d love to work for Design Bridge or JKR etc. At the moment I’m looking to get my foot in the door, so whatever comes my way I’ll go for it!”

Crimewatch Connect

“My final work was looking at form, and how I can play around and manipulate form to control it. The work I had was an advertising campaign to encourage people to clean their phone screens more. I used inks and bacteria to show that up.

I was also fortunate to pick up a D&AD pencil for my work on the Crimewatch brief, and I also managed to get into the academy as well. My work on Crimewatch was to integrate Crimewatch into social media, so it can be regularly interacted with beyond TV.

I had a really good time at university. I feel like our tutors really care about what we need and want to do. It’s very supportive knowing I can go to my tutor and have that. It’s always quite open, which is a really great thing about Graphic Design at AUB.

I have a few interviews lined up, including one at the BBC. The D&AD academy is the next step, and then I’ll take it from there.”

Dove

“I re-designed a Dove bottle to encourage women to check their breasts for signs of breast cancer. I put lumps on the bottles in the places where people would squeeze it to prompt people to check. The project won a Creative Conscience award.

The course was really good. I’m really big on designing to change and make a positive impact, and the course is really good for that. You get access to all the different courses and workshops. For other projects I’ve used the workshops and all the facilities there.

My end goal, after interning, is to be in a role where I still have a chance to learn, and try lots of new things with a creative director who can help and guide me.”

We Are One

I went to a refugee camp, called The Jungle, in Calais to gain first-hand experience and meet refugees. My project compared our lives in the UK with refugees around the world. I made a poster campaign and a video to go along with it.

I love the amount of experimentation and collaboration we got to do on the course. It opens doors and you end up finding something you didn’t know you liked doing. I’d love to work for a design studio, but for now I’d like to do a few internships to see where I fit in. I love campaign work and packaging, but I’d love to try a lot of different things.

Atheism

“The project I’m proudest of is a piece about an atheist’s perspective on death. Atheism is often portrayed as a pessimist way of living so I wanted to produce a book that shows that believing in nothing-ness after life can actually give you more meaning to your life. If this is the only life you have, it makes it all the more precious.

I made a book that can be read for an hour, and then disappears. I exposed my text onto darkroom paper and didn’t fix it with any chemicals. I bound the book in the dark, and accidentally stabbed myself a couple of times. It’s kept in a sleeve and in a box so, when you take it out, you have about an hour to read it. It goes from yellow to orange to pink to purple to blue and then it goes grey. The colours almost represent the different stages of your life. It’s a bit like a sunset, which is a good metaphor for death.

Another think that I like is that, when it all goes blank, you can keep it as a notebook. It encourages people to remember that you only have one life, so make the most of it!

I did the Foundation course as well, so I’ve been at AUB for four years. Foundation really got me to know the university and the facilities, and I made so many friends. Once I started the BA course, I already knew how to use everything.

The course was really good, I really enjoyed the amount of independent time we had to do work. The support has been amazing.

I’ve got a summer job teaching at AUB, then I’ll be looking for internships and jobs. I’m really into ethics. I’d hate to work for a company than doesn’t value my views on ethics, so I’m looking for a place that wants to design for good. I hate the idea of my passion hurting anyone.”

Just Talk

“My final work consisted of doing my final major project, alongside award entries. I was quite lucky as I won a D&AD pencil, and I’ve got a YCN Commendation.

For my D&AD entry I worked on the Crimewatch brief, which was to keep people interested after the programme ends. Crimewatch has many viewers, but it’s at an irregular time slot every few weeks. There’s nothing in between to keep people engaged.

My idea was to use the BBC news app, which already has around 10million users, and build my idea as an extension of that. When crime occurs in your area, you’ll get a notification and stay informed.

It’s been fun from day one. Every year we’ve had new tutors bringing in new styles etc. In first year we had Roger who taught us traditional type setting, letter press etc. Then in second year Alice showed us a lot of digital, so most of our projects were more motion based. In third year we had Marion and she blows you away with knowledge. The projects were so vast, and she encourages you to choose a path and follow that.

For my final major project, I started with the word challenges and challenged myself to build a website in 20 minutes. My final part was to create a campaign to raise awareness for suicide amongst men under the age of 45.

At the moment I don’t know what the future holds. I have an interview lined up with BBC. I’m pushed more into digital design rather than editorial and print, as I think that’s where design is going these days. Hopefully I’ll end up doing app design and web design.”

Dream World

“My work was a sequence of narratives about a dream world. I was mixing the idea of toys alongside tower blocks, one person going through the world, and then nostalgia through the toys. It’s really surreal.

I didn’t do a Foundation year, I just went straight into Illustration. It was really nice because we always had communal tables. First year was very explorative, with lots of different workshops and talks. In second year we did an animation project, which was really fun, as well as a bit of model making. Third year was very self-orientated, and we had a lot more freedom to carve our own style.

I’m hoping to get some work experience with a puppet theatre, and start making puppets and character design. I’m also interested in graphic novels and editorial work.”

Loneliness

“For my final work I interviewed men, who I had met online, about their opinions on loneliness. It was based on contemporary thoughts and feeling on loneliness. In terms of awards, I was highly commended in The Macmillan Prize for Illustrations and also won Bronze for Creative Conscience.

I’ve been at AUB for four years because I did a Foundation year first. I enjoyed being able to do what I wanted, it was all about our personal interests. There was a lot of freedom. Whenever I was stuck I could always talk to Lisa, she helped a lot.

I’m starting as an art worker in two weeks, but I’m going to carry on illustrating in my spare time, and creating books about subjects I’m interested in.”

Moby Dick

“I’ve always wanted to raise awareness for animals and wildlife, but I’ve always had success through narrative. I love the classics, so I decided to use Moby Dick to raise awareness for sperm whales. I produced quite a lot of work based on raising awareness, but I decided to use four light boxes to make one big image of Moby Dick. It’s all made out of paper cuts and lit up from behind with LEDs .

This year has probably been my hardest year, but I’ve had massive support from my tutors. I wasn’t expecting to do as well as I did at all. When I first started I had no idea what I wanted to do, I didn’t think I had a niche but, as soon as my tutors saw that I was in to paper cuts, they really helped with that. In third year you get so much freedom to do what you want, you just go for it.

I never though freelance would be an option, but I do have an interview with an Illustration agency in London!”

Youth Culture

“My final work is based around youth culture, mainly portraiture, to evoke emotive feelings.

I’ve enjoyed the whole community feel. It’s quite a small university, so I got to know everyone, and there’s always help there if you need it.

I’m hoping to become an editorial illustrator and do some freelance work. I’m putting the feelers out now, and I’ve got on editorial brief for Vice, which is pretty good! So far that’s it, but I’m working my way out there.”

Medical Illustration

“My work is based around the issue of sexually transmitted diseases. It’s basically shock tactics of why you shouldn’t get them and a guide to how you can get them and what you can do about it.

To begin with,I felt a little bit lost but, in my third year, I found medical illustration. It’s my niche and tutors really helped me with that. The lecturers are really supportive of how diverse you want to be, and also how disgusting you want to be in my case. They didn’t judge me!

I was looking at what I wanted to do after uni, so I’m going to be doing a masters in Medical Illustration. It could potentially lead to working in hospitals etc.”

Supertrees

“I created two supertree models for my final project. The real supertrees are in Singapore – they are these big man-made structures (about 50 metres high) and act as filtering systems. One even holds a restaurant at the top!

They’re an heirloom piece for the children and wife of the person who designed the supertrees, Andrew Grant. Andrew Grant’s wife, Caroline, got in touch with our lecturers and commissioned the two pieces.

Also on display is my butterfly life cycle model, which I made for a museum in Bristol. I was awarded an APMM award (Association of Professional Model Makers) for this project. I won First Prize in the 2016 Art Hedlund Student Modelmaking Competition.

In Second Year, I created a dinosaur as part of a communication project to demonstrate the difference between what people think dinosaurs look like (which is Jurassic Park), versus a more realistic interpretation.

My time at AUB had been really great. The course has been amazing and the tutors have been incredible. It’s really nice to have had the freedom to do what you want to do. First Year involves a bit of testing and experimenting, while in Second and Third Year, you do what you want to do and what you’re passionate about.

I’ve loved my time here and the people that I’ve met. I really like the small campus too. I’m applying for film work now as I think that’s the industry I want to go into.”

Luxury sailing yacht

“I’ve been working on a luxury sailing yacht for my final major project. I’ve created a model based on an existing sailing yacht made in Southampton, the Oyster 885 – one of their very popular series.

It’s been a pleasure to work on. In terms of the processes that I have used, I’m very interested in the crossover from digital into physical through rapid prototyping. I started with a high quality render of the boat – it’s all designed on a computer first – and translated that into something physical.

The hull was CNC machined and cut in three parts on two axes and then assembled together. I used 3D printing, including a resin printer and a plastic printer, as well as SLA and FDL printing. I finished the boat using traditional skills.

I contacted Oyster Yachts to let them know that I was making the model. They were very supportive and put me in touch with some useful contacts at their end. I sent them some pictures and they were really pleased I was doing it.

I’ve also made an architectural model of a whiskey distillery in Scotland. That was a great project to work on because it was a live brief and I had a lot of contact with them. I created them a nice clean model of the distillery that they could use in the visitor centre, for tourists before they do their tasting.

It’s the oldest distillery in the Highlands of Scotland and it’s still operating now. The layout of the buildings has changed a lot over the years and they wanted to get that across in a physical model.

My time at AUB has been fantastic, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I did my Foundation at the University too and that was good. Doing the three years of Modelmaking, there are no limitations. The facilities that AUB has are just brilliant. We have our own workshop to ourselves just downstairs in the new Make-up and Modelmaking building.

It means that if you have an idea, you can work on it – you can design and then make it. There’s really not much that’s limiting you.

I’m quite into the rapid prototyping of design work, so I’d like to work somewhere that offers that crossover between digital and physical.”

CGI Construction Robot

“My final project was primarily digital. I wanted to design a science fiction concept for a construction robot – the kind of thing that might exist in 20 years. It’s meant to be a fun, tongue-in-cheek project, imagining a world where machines might take over human jobs.

My robot was designed from scratch using computer-aided design (CAD) I wanted to explore the different potential directions that a digital model can go in. One of these is for further digital applications, like for animation, which could potentially be used in a film or as part of CGI. Then on the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the physical outcomes, like this 3D printed model – so collectible items.

My second piece of work on display is a commemorative piece that was part of a live project that I took part in for a game developer, Reagent Games, who are based in Scotland. I created a digital model for this as well, based on a character from a video game.

The physical model was digitally created and then sculpted and printed. It will hopefully soon be displayed in their offices.

My time at AUB has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve really enjoyed the course and what it provides both academically and in terms of the experiences it offers. It’s a really enjoyable place to be.

It’s just so fun to come in every day and work on something like a robot or a character from a game and think – this is going to be my profession. I’d love to do work for films, or for games.”

Composer, Inventor, Explorer

“I’ve done a set of three animation sets, which are sheds. They describe the character that would be in them. I’ve done a Composer’s shed, which is quite neat and organised and pristine. The opposite is an inventor’s shed, which is very sporadic and messy! Then there’s an explorer who is very prepared and ready for adventures.

I’ve loved every minute of my time at AUB. You pick up things but, if the tutors don’t tell you outright what to do, they’ll always point you in the right direction of where to look and what to research.

I’d like to get into animation sets, I like making all the miniature props. I wouldn’t mind maybe going into advertising, and making props and sets for advertising.”

The Lightform Model

“My final project is an interactive architectural model of Canary Wharf as it will be in 2020. The idea is that you have the ability to animate the model to show multiple messages in the same model.

It’s controlled through buttons that allow you to select different features of the model. For example, one shows you where shops are and one where offices are. The model allows you to understand how the area is going to look in the future. You would normally build four or five models to show you all that information. I’d never done any electronics before starting the course.

I worked on a live brief whilst studying on the course, to build a model of a radio telescope that is under construction at the moment. The client wanted an interactive model, so I had to learn electronics doing that. I’d never done anything like that at all before. So when it came to my final project, I had the time to do something I’m really passionate about and use the digital side of things.

This really is a physical/digital model hybrid. I thought ‘while I’m here, let’s do something really different.’ Meeting Norman Foster in my third year was amazing. He approached the university to commission a large scale replica of the Berlin Reichstag dome that he designed, but he also wanted small replicas of sketch models that he had made in the 1960s, in his early career.

So myself and two others made a replica of one of his early models and it was quite a challenge because as a modelmaker you’re used to making very precise neat finishings, whereas we were trying to copy all the mistakes in the model – because it was a sketch model. It was quite difficult working on this at the same time as working on my Lightform model.

I’m a mature student and when I left school at 18, I was originally going to study Architecture but I wasn’t well at the time. My inspiration then was Lord Foster. To be making architectural models for his foundation years later was just amazing. For him to come and view the models and to get the chance to talk to him was fantastic. It was definitely a highlight of my degree.

Looking ahead, I’m interested in a mix of things. I’ve done quite a lot of teaching with both children and degree students, which I hadn’t really expected to do while I was at AUB. I’d like to do a mix of teaching and modelmaking in the future.

My experience at AUB has been amazing. I’d done a couple of Short Courses years ago and you go around and see all the degree work and you think ‘it would be amazing to be able to do that every day and so to have done it is just fantastic. I’m ready to go, I’ve learned everything I need to know and I’m ready to go and do something new, but I wish I could do the whole thing all over again.”

Bespoke Tiffany Lamp

“For my final major project, I designed and made a bespoke Tiffany lamp. I’d never done any of it before – I’d never wired anything, I’d never turned wood and I’d never turned brass.

The lampshade is actually made entirely from resin, which had never been done before according to my many weeks of research. I wanted to make something that was unusual and hadn’t been seen before.

I took a profile of an original Tiffany lamp for the base and designed it with an optical theme – the bottom is a bit like an antique microscope with its three legs.

During my third year, I also created a stop-motion puppet, fully articulated with an armature, for a client as a nine-week project. The client was an alumnus from the Animation course at AUB, who graduated a few years ago. He designed the scientist figure, which I then created.

To dress the puppet, I laser-engraved fabric to make pin-stripes on a small enough scale and designed my own fabric which I had custom-printed for the shirt. It’s got DNA strands on it, because I thought that would be quite quirky.

The puppet has replacement faces which all clip on and off. They have a little channel on the back and a strip that they clip into with magnets. The client then built the set and animated the character in a film. It was really nice to see it come to life.

My third piece on display is an architectural model that I made in Second Year. I became quite interested in how landscapes and trees were represented in these kinds of models. There’s an in-joke that trees in architectural models look a bit like toilet brushes! I started playing around and looked at architects’ sketches. I tried making my trees look more abstract, inspired by those.

I actually started at AUB when I was nine years old! I did the Saturday Art School classes – and then between the ages of 12 and 16 I did Graham Wood’s Saturday modelmaking class. It’s nice that I’ve actually got to teach some of the classes that I used to attend, that was wonderful. I’ve taught workshops with Widening Participation groups and that’s been really good.

My long term plan in the future is to teach. The thing that inspired me most as a child was hearing about all the wonderful places that people had gone and all the jobs they had done though. I want a few of those under my belt before I start teaching. I love stop-motion animation, so somewhere like Aardman Animation or Mackinnon and Saunders would be wonderful.”

The Bees

“My final project is a stop-motion animation puppet of a bee, based on the book The Bees by Laline Paull. I’ve made all the armature, I’ve done all the sculpting, moulding and casting. I have an example stand of what went into making it, such as the armature, the coring etc.

I’ve also made Felix and Geoffrey the giraffe and fox puppets. I was doing a maker fair in Bristol over the Summer and I made these to show that people can make their own puppets. I did that as an extra thing over the summer to get a bit of experience.

I also made a Victorian style dress to focus on the costume aspect of stop-motion animation. There are different areas within stop-motion. Some are more moulding and casting related and some where you create costumes, sew them etc. I liked doing the sewing, so I wanted to create a piece that showed that.

I’ve had a really good time at AUB. It’s been really fun and I’ve met some great people, I’m good friends with everyone on my course. All the tutors are really friendly as well. I’ve learnt a lot. At the beginning, if I’d have known I’d be producing this stuff now, I’d never have believed it!

I’ve got a 3-week internship at Aardman in July. They were in contact with our course and had places for two students, so we sent over our portfolios and they picked me and Sam!”

If Not Now

“There’s a very high standard of work this year, especially within AUB. I won the Drapers Fashion Publication Award, and the first runner up was Alice Day, also from AUB! We’ve had a lot of good representation.

My publication was part of a bigger project, focusing on slow fashion innovation. I was looking at trying to change the way we engage and experience fashion, as well as installing a bit of longevity, permanence and discovery. I want people to make the choice to invest in fashion that has a future.

I’m interested in how technology is impacting our experience of it. A lot of fashion experiences are mediated through screen, and there’s a huge disconnect there. Creative directors and designers are stepping down now, because they just can’t keep up with it. So much time and money goes into creating collections and content, so much of it is ephemeral because we just swipe through, scratch the surface, but don’t actually immerse ourselves in a particular idea.

With that in mind, I created a subscription for people who want to change the way they engage, and connect with something in a more personal way. My brand is called If Not Now. I created an events programme which would encourage people to meet in a physical space, and for emerging designers to showcase their work in a new way.

I also focused on ethical designers. Throw away culture and fast fashion is very very ‘now’. Things don’t have a chance to make an impact because everything moves so quickly.

I designed a website, which is the house to hold all the elements of the project. It would be a place where subscribers can access a personal feed of information. There’s so much content now, it’s often hard to find what you’re looking for.

The final product was a triptych of publications. I wanted to create something that had permanence in print. There are interviews with people in industry from everyone from Caryn Franklin, who has been in the industry for a while now, to newer brands who are doing different things. Everything in it collaborative and trying to showcase the next generation, as well as introducing people to a slower lifestyle. It’s supposed to be very explorative.

When I found out I’d won the Publication Award, it took me about 30 seconds to realise what had happened. It’s a huge honour, I hope something does come from it. I have an interest in publications and I’d love to explore that further. Because the course is so broad, it allows you to try lots of different things. I think I could go into a lot of different areas. It’s a good way to finish!”

Revolting Rhymes

“Mine is a plus size collection, I graded them up to size 16/18. It’s based on Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. Women grow up thinking they need to be a princess. I wrote a little children’s book, and the character found out that she can be a princess regardless of her size.

I love doing freehand machine embroidery. I did my sketches onto paper, and then embroidered them onto the clothes. Each outfit tells a story, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. There’s some bigger pieces, a massive coat I did has all the story on.

I’ve really enjoyed my time, but it’s really hard work. I’m one of the first people to really go for plus size for my final collection, so we had to buy a new mannequin. She’s even got a name! I had to get my own patterns and graded everything up myself.

Everything I’m planning on doing next is plus size. I’ve got an internship with One One Three and have an interview today and tomorrow.”

Re-branding HMV

“I’ve re-branded HMV for my final project, aligning it to today’s 21st century consumer and the future of retail as I see it. Everything is sold online today and I wanted to differentiate the online experience from the physical one, to keep people coming in to stores.

I created a new logo and a colour scheme. I was inspired by the independent music shop, Rough Trade – you go in there and you want to look at everything. I also recently collaborated with Blitz, a vintage shop just down the road from here. I did a lot of visual merchandising work with them.

Hopefully my branding encourages consumers to be quite tactile – to come in and experience the brand. You come into the store, use the products and listen to music. I’ve included private listening booths, so customers can listen to music without all the background noise.

My time at AUB has been really good. As a specialist arts university, I’ve been surrounded by creativity. I’ve been able to collaborate with students on other courses and build up connections.

I would love to work in visual merchandising. I’d like to do placements in lots of different areas to build up varied experience.”

Affordable Couture

“My final collection is all about smocking and the handcraft that goes into it. I used Sophie Hallette lace. It happened naturally through progression and testing different fabrics.

I was originally looking for something very old fashioned that I could bring back to life. My original idea was to create couture gown that would also be affordable. I chose very low-key fabrics to use to keep it on a low budget. However, gradually it developed into lace, which isn’t quite as affordable.

I had to learn a lot at the beginning. I came from a very different background but, through my own fight and drive, I got somewhere. I got to Graduate Fashion week, which is amazing! I’d love to get a design job and carry on my creative path.”

Mistaken Deception

“My final collection was all based around print, every single piece was digitally printed. It was based around drape and layering. The collection is called Mistaken Deception, so it was the idea of real drape and then printed drape that was flat. It may look 3D and textured but, when you touch them, they’re all very soft and flowy.

I’ve loved my time at AUB. Third year is mixed emotions, you love it and hate it all at the same time. You’re so passionate about what you’re doing, but also super stressed out. Coming to the end of it and seeing it all come together makes it all worth it.

I’ve worked with Photography and Make-up students on my look book, as well as stylists on our course. It makes it so much easier, to do that all on your own is a big job anyway, but it looks much more professional when you collaborate with other courses. Everyone is willing to help each other out.

I went to China for the Hempel Awards, which was amazing, and since then I’ve been working away. getting this done. No plan as of yet, so I’ll see what happens next!”

Tomorrowland

“My collection was initially based on a trip to Disneyland Paris. They have an attraction called Tomorrowland there, which is set in the 1950s and embodies the Space Age. It’s based on a 1950s’ idea of the future.

I started looking more into the Space Age and the dresses in my collection are very much based on the futuristic dresses of the 1960s and also 1950s architecture.

I incorporated a style of architecture that was popular in America in the 1950s, called Googie, which was again rooted in the Space Age. My work is a blend of these two influences.

Ahead of Graduate Fashion Week, we put on our work at Pavilion Dance South West and it was really exciting as it was the first time we’d seen our collections as a whole, all together and finished.

Seeing it here in London was amazing, it’s seeing the reaction of someone who has never seen your work as well as seeing the clothes physically moving along a catwalk.

I have enjoyed my time at AUB – it’s been challenging, third year especially has been a lot of work, but it’s definitely all been worth it.”

Birds-of-Paradise

“For my final project I produced two wigs of fantasy hairstyles, one hand-knotted and one using the weft technique. I did an editorial photo shoot in the style of i-D magazine, on the conservation of birds-of-paradise.

The wigs incorporated coloured hair and I mixed i-D’s concept of punk with birds of paradise. My work is definitely fashion/editorial based as that’s what I’m most interested in. I’ve collaborated with lots of other students during my time at AUB.

Our uni is so good at giving us opportunities to collaborate with other people. My portfolio doesn’t rely just on my own projects that I’ve done as part of the course, I’ve also got so many other examples of my work from collaborations.

Collaborating has made me more confident as an artist. I feel like you have to put yourself out there. You should do whatever makes you feel uncomfortable because that’s when you are learning.

I have loved my time at AUB. I’m really emotional that I’ve left now – I want to stay for longer!”

Sculpting the Wendigo Monster

“Sculpting is my favourite thing to do. Throughout my three years at AUB, I really wanted to make a freestanding creature bust and I wanted to combine it with make-ups as well.

I looked into the Wendigo legend, from Algonquian folklore. It’s a tribal legend about humans turning into deer-like beasts in the cold months, on the Atlantic Coast of the US and Canada.

The tribe would go into the forest and they would run out of food and turn to cannibalism. But when you go that far, the legend says that you turn into a monster – and that was what I created.

I then designed a whole stage and make-ups showing the transformation from human to this terrifying creature. I created two make-ups and then put them together, showing how the transformation would happen.

I collaborated with Visual Effects students at AUB to work on changing the eyes and all the tiny details like that.

I’m not quite sure yet which area of make-up I really want to go into. I went into the course wanting to work on film sets, but I’ve realised that it’s actually the making and the sculpting stages that are my favourite parts. That makes me think a job in a workshop would suit me more.

I’d like to get some work experience in a workshop. I’d also be really happy to go into prop-making as that’s all about the making side of things.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at AUB. I went in wanting to work in fantasy and sets but I didn’t know anything about wigs, for example, and I actually really enjoy making them. I’ve learned so many skills that I didn’t know before.”

"With all the projects I’ve done, I’ve tried to take on something new each time. I’ve knotted a beard, I’ve made things in silicon, in this project I hair punched, which I’ve never done before." Polly Crafter

Frankenstein's Monster

“I took inspiration from the old Hollywood monster movies and decided I wanted to create a ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’ inspired make-up piece. I made an exposed brain, and some prosthetics to make it look like the skin had been pulled off, which was riveted into place. He also had a pipe coming down, which was a bit like ‘Bane’ from ‘Batman’.

In my time at AUB, I have worked on Theatre shows, I got to take part in one of the bigger prosthetic based theatre shows, ‘Rights of Man’, which was very well received. I got to make large whip marks for an actor’s back. It was quite hard work, which i undertook in my second year. With all the projects I’ve done, I’ve tried to take on something new each time. I’ve knotted a beard, I’ve made things in silicon, in this project I hair punched, which I’ve never done before. I got some advice from Nick Dudman from our interviews that we had, she said that ‘he hates seeing brow prosthetics that don’t have eyebrows in them’, because it’s easy to just cover somebody’s eyebrows with a prosthetic and not replace it, he says that ‘it just looks like they’ve not bothered’. So this time, I created brows! I punched them in, and I showed him. He’s glad that I did them.

I’ve got an interview; I’m going up to a puppet making workshop in Manchester on Tuesday. They’ve paid for me to go up and they’re giving me a tour. They were looking for hair punchers and wig makers. I sent them my CV, and my website and they said that I might have other skills that would be beneficial to them. I’ve got an interview on Wednesday for the Make-Up Intern at AUB. Not this Monday, but the Monday after, I begin a five-day course sculpting with my favourite guy, Don Lanning, he’s a world famous film concept artist. It takes place in Belfast and I got a grant to do the course. I’ve been given this opportunity by the Arts Trust in Jersey, and Titanic Creative Management.”

Human-Animal Hybrid

“For my Final Major Project I wanted to focus on creature designing and making characters. I enjoy the finer details in make-up now, so I went through the whole prosthetics designing and then sculpted and made a creature that faces immortality. He basically got infected with Smallpox and created a serum that turned him immortal, but he used animal DNA so it made him into a Dalmatian – Pig- Bald Raven – type creature. I wanted to play on the thought of having animal qualities, mixed with humans. I want to go more into being a designer, rather than just being on set, so I thought that I would start to teach myself to think more of the process fully, rather than just the end make-up.

My time at AUB was challenging, I must say. I learned a lot, like now I know how to do everything from hairdressing to fashion to everything really. I’m experimenting with it and I’m able to do it. The best thing is that I was able to collaborate with a lot of people, especially within the last few months, I’ve met some amazing people, and have done some amazing work for people. I know how to go about being a designer, even though I know you have to start at the bottom, I’ll work my way up. I have that it me now, and I know how to do it.

Right now, I’m helping out on a Master’s film, and doing a photoshoot for a friend. Then I’m going to do some travelling, I’m going to America to see what it is like. I want to test the waters there. Then I’ll come back, I plan on doing more creature maquettes and other projects. I’m planning on doing more, larger versions, like busts and seeing where that avenue takes me.”

Old Witch Prosthetics & Wig

“For my final major project, I created an old witch/hag character. I created a full face, neck and hand prosthetic and a handmade grey wig.

My time at AUB has been great – we’ve learned pretty much everything! This is one of the only courses that teaches wigs, prosthetics and fashion. You can really keep your options open and get lots of different experience.

In my second year, I focused more on fashion and I took part in a live project, which was a collaboration with Fashion students. In my third year, I’ve moved more into wigs and prosthetics – creating them together.

I’ve created characters from films and would really like to go into film and television. Now I need to really get myself out there and am trying to make contact with as many places as I can to try and get some experience.

The Good Person of Szechuan

“The Good Person of Szechuan by Berltolt Brecht is a play which highlights the issues of humanity, the test of faith and hope and also makes an audience member think ‘what does it take to be a good a person?’ The play was directed by David O’Shea and, as he said during the rehearsal process, it was a beast with a beautiful message.

Playing the characters Shen Teh/Shui Ta was extremely challenging as I was a playing a woman and a man, who had different emotional heights which were constantly changing throughout the play. I found that the skills I learnt throughout my training helped me to create these contrasting characters to the best of my ability.

It was a raw and uplifting experience for me to play these challenging roles but I learnt so much from the process, the company and the director. This opportunity gave me the boost I needed in order to help me at the start of my career.”

Trolls

“I wanted to look at mythology, and I knew I wanted to create a piece for costume or something for a theatrical production. I’ve always been really interested in Icelandic mythology and was fascinated by trolls as a child.

I read loads of different stories and tales and myths, and this particular story I was familiar with from when I was young. I thought it would be a cool creature to create.

It’s got a steel wire frame, which has been spot welded. Then it’s got cabling to create a light weight frame with as few gaps as possible. Then I covered it in a layer of papier mâché newsprint, just to give it a hard shell. Then it’s got panelling of wadding over the top of that, which took about seven hours to dry in my small porch!

It’s covered in ink mixed with PVA and then tissue paper. I’m staying at AUB to do Make-up. I did the Foundation to get onto the course. I’m really looking forward to the hair and wigs aspect, and the special effects make-up. I’m leaning towards theatrical make-up because that’s what I like.”

Matchday

“I have designed an app which combines sport and travel together. So it’s encouraging a wider audience to go to football matches and encouraging people to make a mini weekend away holiday of it. Say if you were going to Manchester but you’ve never been there before, the app would allow you to book your hotel for a couple of nights and have a look at different attractions of activities, depending on whether you’re going as a family or with a group of friends.

It’s been really good, especially for Foundation. There’s a lot of different materials and elements that you can work with, that I don’t think you’d get if you did a Foundation at college. Stuff like tutor feedback is really good for helping develop your ideas, it’s been a really good course overall. I’m staying here and doing Visual Communication in September, I’m really looking forward to that.”

New Identities

“We worked together on this project as a collaboration. It was on youth identity, and the title is New Identities. It was about a time when a youth is going into adulthood and they are trying to find their identity. We wanted to capture that, but also in a fashion context as well.

We did a lot of things together and changed roles a lot. For example, he was in charge of finding the model and doing the styling. He was in charge of shooting 35mm film. I was in charge of finding the location and shooting digital.

Synaesthesia

“I’m a person who experiences a thing called synaesthesia. There are different varieties of it, but it’s a thing where, when you listen to music, you see colours very vividly. I’ve had it my whole life but this year I started doing research into it and was like, actually that’s the thing I have!

There’s going to be a sound-scape to go with this piece, and it’s all about my response to how blue makes me feel and how I relate to it and past stories I associate with it. It’s all about colour association, but with a personal twist.

It’s been really really nice. The people have been fantastic, I have not a complaint in the world! Everyone has been really supportive and wonderful about the work that I want to make, but also pushing me in the right direction for what will progress my work. I’m staying here to do Illustration, which I’m so excited about.”

Testament of Youth

“My work is inspired by a book called Testament of Youth, which is a memoir from World War One. The author, Vera Britton, was a volunteer nurse. The book is about how she was going to go to Oxford for University, but instead she decided to become a nurse. Then she subsequently lost her fiancée and her brother throughout the war. It’s about her account of the war as a woman.

The idea of loss and innocence and grief. That’s the main basis of my work, and it’s also influenced by childrenswear from that period as well. High bust lines and smocking with all the layers, sort of the child-likeness of it. The knitwear piece sort of unravels, and it’s about how they couldn’t really show their grief at that time, it was quite internalised. I think when the war ended, she felt like she had been left behind. All the people she knew before were gone, so it’s about it falling apart.

I really like this course because our class is only like 20 people, and that’s really nice. You get a lot of contact times with tutors and I think at the bigger universities you don’t really get that.”

Vegan Packaging

“I’ve created vegan food packaging. The boxes contain ingredients so you can make your own meal. They open on the sides to let the plants breathe and it creates an interesting packaging so it stands out and is eye catching.

I’m not actually vegan, but I have a lot of friends who are, and they always tell me how there’s not enough food products in supermarkets where they can just whip up a meal. It’s really frustrating for them because they have to really think about what they’re going to make.

It’s been really fun and creative and experimental. They’re really lenient with everything we can do, and quite supportive and give really good guidance.

I’m going to study Graphic Design here next year and see how that goes, otherwise I might go into Visual Communication.”

Alienation

“My work is centred around the idea of alienation. It’s more evident through the photos that I took, I covered people’s faces, so it’s almost like I’m removing their identity. It’s the questions of identity that arise from alienation that I’m looking at.

The campus is really nice. It’s a really cosy with good facilities and the tutors are really helpful.

During A Levels I mostly did paintings, now I’ve been doing more photography and 3D which I enjoy much more.”

Fantastic Beasts

“My work is basically production design for the film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I went to the Harry Potter studios and did the research for it. I did magical creature shop design and made set models etc.

Before I came here, I hadn’t learned anything related to art and design. It was very interesting and it helped me to become creative and found out what was good for me. I tried the Film pathway at first, but changed because I wanted the opportunity to see if I was interested in product design. I’m going on to study Film in September and can’t wait.”

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